Review of the year
Radio 4’s Media Show presented an interesting review of the year yesterday, including discussion of superinjunctions and the Libel Reform Campaign.
You can listen to it here
Keep up demand for libel reform
Jack Straw has noticed the clamour for change. Reform of our unfair defamation laws must now become a manifesto pledge, says Padraig Reidy
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Straw to review libel laws
The Ministry of Justice is to conduct a comprehensive review of England’s defamation laws, which will be experted to report in mid-March, it was revealed today. The ministry’s seemingly strong new commitment comes after over 10,000 people signed a petition supporting the Libel Reform Campaign convened by Index on Censorship, English PEN and Sense About Science.
Read more here
Liu Xiaobo sentenced to 11 years in prison
Prominent dissident Liu Xiaobo was sentenced to 11 years’ imprisonment on 25 December. He was charged with subversion after his part in the drafting of Charter 08, a document calling for free speech and the rule of law. Western journalists and diplomats were prohibited from attending the trial, which was condemned by free expression and human rights campaigners.